If Congress doesn't act, the sequester kicks in on March 1, bringing with it cuts that are broad, deep and indiscriminate. The big holdup to Congress acting is, as always, that Republicans will not compromise, insisting that any deal to avert the sequester consist only of cuts—they're refusing to consider any new revenue.
Take California Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy, who says, "No tax increase is coming out of this House." None. Not in balance with cuts, not $1 of revenue for every $2 of cuts. Not to close tax loopholes for corporate jets or to end tax breaks to hugely profitable oil companies. None.
At the same time he's saying he will not compromise at all on revenue, McCarthy is assailing President Obama for trying to build public support for a plan that would include revenue. McCarthy says that Obama has "never gotten off the campaign trail and that’s what’s wrong, that’s why I call him the road show president. The saddest part about all of this, normally in divided government, you achieve big things. You can’t achieve something if he’s out campaigning," because rather than going on the road, Obama should "go one mile down and talk to Harry Reid." So basically, McCarthy doesn't even think it's worth Obama's time to talk to Republicans; instead, he should talk to Democratic leaders. In other words, just surrender.
Meanwhile, as McCarthy is completely ruling out compromise on his side and calling on the president to just give in, here are just a few of the cuts Californians face under sequestration:
For a complete list of the sequester's impacts on California thanks to Republicans like Kevin McCarthy completely rejecting slightly higher taxes for the wealthy and corporations, jump below the fold.
If sequestration were to take effect, some examples of the impacts on California this year alone are:
Teachers and Schools: California will lose approximately $87.6 million in funding for primary and secondary education, putting around 1,210 teacher and aide jobs at risk. In addition about 187,000 fewer students would be served and approximately 320 fewer schools would receive funding.
Education for Children with Disabilities: In addition, California will lose approximately $62.9 million in funds for about 760 teachers, aides, and staff who help children with disabilities.
Work-Study Jobs: Around 9,600 fewer low income students in California would receive aid to help them finance the costs of college and around 3,690 fewer students will get work-study jobs that help them pay for college.
Head Start: Head Start and Early Head Start services would be eliminated for approximately 8,200 children in California, reducing access to critical early education.
Protections for Clean Air and Clean Water: California would lose about $12.4 million in
environmental funding to ensure clean water and air quality, as well as prevent pollution from pesticides and hazardous waste. In addition, California could lose another $1.9 million in grants for fish and wildlife protection.
Military Readiness: In California, approximately 64,000 civilian Department of Defense
employees would be furloughed, reducing gross pay by around $399.4 million in total.
Army: Base operation funding would be cut by about $54 million in California.
Air Force: Funding for Air Force operations in California would be cut by about $15 million.
Navy: Maintenance and repair of 5 ships in San Diego and aircraft depot maintenance in North Island could be canceled
Law Enforcement and Public Safety Funds for Crime Prevention and Prosecution: California will lose about $1.6 million in Justice Assistance Grants that support law enforcement, prosecution and courts, crime prevention and education, corrections and community corrections, drug treatment and enforcement, and crime victim and witness initiatives.
Job Search Assistance to Help those in California find Employment and Training: California will lose about $3.3 million in funding for job search assistance, referral, and placement, meaning around 129,770 fewer people will get the help and skills they need to find employment.
Child Care: Up to 2,000 disadvantaged and vulnerable children could lose access to child care, which is also essential for working parents to hold down a job.
Vaccines for Children: In California around 15,810 fewer children will receive vaccines for diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, whooping cough, influenza, and Hepatitis B due to reduced funding for vaccinations of about $1.1 million.
Public Health: California will lose approximately $2.6 million in funds to help upgrade its ability to respond to public health threats including infectious diseases, natural disasters, and biological, chemical, nuclear, and radiological events. In addition, California will lose about $12.4 million in grants to help prevent and treat substance abuse, resulting in around 9,400 fewer admissions to substance abuse programs. And the California State Department of Health Services will lose about $2 million resulting in around 49,300 fewer HIV tests.
STOP Violence Against Women Program: California could lose up to $795,000 in funds that provide services to victims of domestic violence, resulting in up to 3,000 fewer victims being served.
Nutrition Assistance for Seniors: California would lose approximately $5.4 million in funds that provide meals for seniors.